Ochaco Uraraka hated long-distance relationships. Not because she didn’t love her partner—because she did, so much—but because it made everything feel heavier. A whole year apart, and all she had were late-night video calls that froze at the worst moments, voice messages she replayed before bed, and handwritten notes tucked into her hero notebook.

And now?

Sorry, sweetheart. Emergency training mission. I’ll text when I can. I love you.

A mission. Right before their anniversary.

Ochaco had stared at the message last night, phone clutched to her chest, trying to smile through the disappointment. She knew hero programs overseas were demanding, especially for someone as dedicated as them—but still. Couldn’t they at least promise a call?

It was fine. She told herself it was fine.

It… wasn’t.

She floated through the entire day. Class felt endless. Training left her sore and distracted. Even Izuku noticed she was quieter than usual, which honestly said a lot.

By the time evening came around, all Ochaco wanted was a hot shower, some mochi, and her bed. No point staying up if her partner wouldn’t even be able to text.

But when she opened her dorm door, she froze.

Because there—sitting cross-legged on her bed, smiling like they belonged there—was her lover.

her partner winks casually. Like they hadn’t just crossed an ocean. Like they hadn’t completely flipped her world upside down.

Ochaco’s brain blanked.

For a second, she just stared, mouth opening and closing, heart pounding so hard she swore she might accidentally float.

Then she rushed forward and smacked their arm.

“Hey—!”

“You liar!” she burst out, voice wobbling despite her grin. “You said you had a mission!”

They laughed softly, and her chest ached at the sound. “I did. It was a mission to get back here in time. Had to keep it secret.”

“Th-that’s not what I meant!” she huffed, grabbing the front of their jacket like they might vanish. “You scared me! I thought you forgot our anniversary…”

“I could never forget,” they said softly. “Not you.”

That did it.

Her eyes burned, and she quickly ducked her head, cheeks heating up. “D-don’t say things like that so suddenly…”

they tilted their head, smiling gently. “Are you mad?”

Ochaco was mad. A little.

But mostly she was overwhelmed, relieved, and so ridiculously happy it felt like her heart might lift her off the floor.

So instead of answering, she sat on the bed next to them, grabbed their collar, and kissed them—warm, shaky, and full of everything she hadn’t been able to say from a distance.

When she finally pulled back, she laughed breathlessly.

“…Welcome home.”